CO2 Scrubber

User Manual

280499-ENG R00
 CO2 Scrubber
User Manual

Please read these instructions carefully

and completely before operating the unit.

Conviron Document Number 280499-ENG, Revision 00

Published by:

CONVIRON 590 Berry Street

Winnipeg, Manitoba
Canada, R3H 0R9
www.conviron.com

August 2017

Printed in Canada
2017 Controlled Environments Limited
Conviron is a registered trademark of Controlled Environments Limited. All other trademarks are the property of
their respective owners. Information is subject to change without written notice.

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SERVICE & TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Before contacting Conviron, please check the following:
 Read this document, CO2 Scrubber User Manual, and the other accompanying manuals in
their entirety.
 If you are having a problem using your CO2 Scrubber device, pay particular attention to the
relevant section and the pertinent information in this manual, and use the information to
diagnose and correct the problem.
 If the problem persists and/or you require additional assistance, please collect the
following information prior to contacting Conviron:
 The serial number of the chamber, located on the rating plate
 The software version of the control system. Instructions for obtaining the software
version of your control system are provided in the control system operator manual.
 A description of the problem
 A description of what you were doing before the problem occurred

Head Office
Technical Services
Conviron
590 Berry St.
Winnipeg, Manitoba,
Canada R3H 0R9

Please visit www.conviron.com for global service contact information.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 PRECAUTIONS...................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Hazard Identification Symbols ....................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Precautions .................................................................................................................................... 2
1.2.1 Installation ........................................................................................................................... 2
1.2.2 Operation ............................................................................................................................ 2
1.2.3 Maintenance ........................................................................................................................ 3
2 WORKING WITH THE CO2 SCRUBBER .............................................................................................. 4
2.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................................ 4
2.2 Setting up the CO2 Scrubber ......................................................................................................... 4
2.3 Understanding the Absorptive Capacity of the CO2 Scrubber ...................................................... 5
2.4 Activating the CO2 Scrubber.......................................................................................................... 6
2.4.1 Using the Argus Control System ......................................................................................... 6
2.4.2 Using the CMP Control System ........................................................................................ 12
3 TROUBLESHOOTING ......................................................................................................................... 14
3.1 The Scrubbing Mode toggle does not switch to ON .................................................................... 14
3.2 CO2 levels do not reach the intended setpoint ............................................................................ 15
4 APPENDIX ........................................................................................................................................... 16
4.1 Assembly Drawings of the CO2 Scrubber ................................................................................... 16

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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 2-1 Argus Session Manager ...................................................................................................... 6
Figure 2-2 Chamber Settings Page ...................................................................................................... 7
Figure 2-3 Conviron Setpoint................................................................................................................ 8
Figure 2-4 Setpoint Scheduler Screen – Conviron Program Management Section ............................. 9
Figure 2-5 Setpoint Editor Screen ...................................................................................................... 10
Figure 2-6 Setpoint Scheduler Screen – Schedule Control Section .................................................. 11
Figure 2-7 Control Parameters Screen .............................................................................................. 12
Figure 2-8 Carbon Dioxide Screen ..................................................................................................... 12
Figure 3-1 Controller Screen from Service Mode ............................................................................... 14
Figure 4-1 Parts List of the CO2 Scrubber, Drawing .......................................................................... 16
Figure 4-2 Parts List of the CO2 Scrubber, Table ............................................................................... 17
Figure 4-3 Dimensions, Front View .................................................................................................... 18
Figure 4-4 Dimensions, Side View ..................................................................................................... 19
Figure 4-5 Back View ......................................................................................................................... 20
Figure 4-6 Front View with the Front Covers Removed ..................................................................... 21
Figure 4-7 Top View, Dimensions ...................................................................................................... 22

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CO2 Scrubber User Manual

1 PRECAUTIONS
The equipment is intended to be installed, operated, maintained, and serviced only by trained
personnel, according to the instructions and precautions described in the manuals provided by
Conviron.
The following precautions are intended to help guide users in the safe operation of Conviron
chambers.

1.1 Hazard Identification Symbols

The following symbols in Table 1-1 are used throughout this manual, on the equipment, or both to
draw your attention to important warnings, guidelines, and product information.
Table 1-1 Hazard Identification Symbols

Symbol Description

The “HAZARD WARNING” symbol is used whenever a hazard exists which

could cause personal injury or potential equipment damage, and requires
correct procedures/practices for prevention.

The “IMPORTANT INFORMATION” symbol is used to identify operating

procedures that must be followed to ensure smooth and efficient equipment
operation.

The “ELECTRICAL SHOCK/ELECTROCUTION” symbol is used to identify a

source of potentially dangerous electrical current.

The “ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE” symbol is used to identify equipment

that is sensitive to electrostatic discharge.

The “SLIPPERY SURFACE” symbol is used to identify a potential hazard

caused by a slippery surface.

The “PROTECTIVE EARTH-GROUND-MANDATORY ACTION” symbol is

used to identify the protective earth connection.

The “PROTECTIVE EARTH-GROUND” symbol is used to identify the

protective earth connection.

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CO2 Scrubber User Manual Precautions

Symbol Description

The “WEAR EYE PROTECTION-MANDATORY ACTION” symbol is used to

identify areas where eye protection is mandatory.

The “READ THE OPERATOR MANUAL” label is intended to remind

the user to have a thorough understanding of the equipment before
use.

1.2 Precautions
These precautions should be read and understood before proceeding with installation, operation,
and maintenance.

1.2.1 Installation

Only qualified trades-people, e.g., electricians, plumbers, refrigeration mechanics,

etc. should perform installation work as required, according to local codes and
regulations.
Do not attempt to install or maintain this equipment without the appropriate
knowledge and expertise.
Inspect all connections in the top compartment before connecting the equipment to
the building utilities.
Shipping vibration can cause electrical and plumbing connections to loosen.
Inspect all connections before connecting to main building services.

Ensure that power to the chamber line is off, locked out, and tagged out, before
making any electrical connections at the chamber.
Ensure that the control panel and top-cover lids are properly closed and screwed
shut, and that no one is in contact with the equipment before powering up.

1.2.2 Operation

Conduct a visual inspection of the equipment and surrounding area by walking

around the unit to ensure no debris or obstacles are present that could pose a
safety hazard before operating the cabinet.
Operate your Conviron equipment for a minimum of five days before introducing
any research material to ensure proper and stable operation.
Follow all applicable local environmental regulations and guidelines for disposal of
hazardous material. If in doubt, contact local authorities for proper disposal
procedures.

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CO2 Scrubber User Manual Precautions

Do not allow water to come into contact with electrical components while watering.
Water contacting live circuits will damage both high and low voltage circuits.

Alert service personnel immediately if a slip hazard is detected.

1.2.3 Maintenance

Disconnect and lock out the main power before servicing the equipment.
Take all appropriate safety precautions when using and maintaining this
equipment – including wearing appropriate safety apparel, and using appropriate
tools and fall protection equipment if working on elevated areas.
Use only original replacement parts when maintaining and servicing the
equipment.
Conviron recommends waiting at least 10 minutes after powering off the equipment
before servicing the heater elements or related components.

Do not service the control panel without using proper ESD procedures, including
the use of a grounding strap and/or anti-static mat.

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CO2 Scrubber User Manual

2 WORKING WITH THE CO2 SCRUBBER

2.1 Overview
The CO2 Scrubber option is available on a Conviron chamber to control the carbon dioxide (CO2)
concentration levels by removing, or scrubbing, the respired or excess CO2 gases inside the
chamber.
The CO2 Scrubber is a standalone device that can be attached to the chamber, either on the floor
beside the chamber or mounted on its roof. The scrubber system includes an external cabinet with
up to three canisters for the Sodasorb® CO2 absorbent, process air fan, inlet and outlet ductwork,
and may include an iris damper. For detailed information on the parts of the CO2 Scrubber, refer
to the drawings in section 4.1, Assembly Drawings of the CO2 Scrubber, on page 16.

2.2 Setting up the CO2 Scrubber

It is recommended that the CO2 Scrubber device be placed on the floor beside the chamber.
However, space restriction may allow for the device to be mounted on the roof.
1. Refer to the drawings in section 4.1, Assembly Drawings of the CO2 Scrubber, on page 16
for dimensions, parts list, and installation notes of the CO2 Scrubber device.
2. Once the device is installed, remove the lids from the CO2 Scrubber pails.

Before proceeding with the next steps, ensure that you are wearing appropriate
safety equipment. Refer to the recommendations outlined on the Sodasorb pail for
more information.

3. Gently shake the Sodasorb pail to ensure that the pellets are not clumped together.
4. Open the Sodasorb pail, and then slowly pour the Sodasorb pellets into one of the CO2
Scrubber pails.
5. Fill the pail to about two-thirds in volume.
Use the fill line inside the pail as the marker.
6. To ensure even distribution of the Sodasorb pellets, gently shake the CO2 Scrubber pail so
that the pellets do not clump together.
7. If your CO2 Scrubber system has more than one CO2 Scrubber pail, then repeat steps 3
through to 6 for the second or the second and third CO2 Scrubber pails.

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CO2 Scrubber User Manual Working with the CO2 Scrubber

2.3 Understanding the Absorptive Capacity of the CO2 Scrubber

To prolong the absorptive capacity of the Sodasorb pellets used in the CO2 Scrubber pails, if the
CO2 Scrubber system is not in use, then cover the CO2 Scrubber pails with their lids.
However, if the CO2 Scrubber system is in use, then open the top cover of the CO2 Scrubber and
ensure that the CO2 Scrubber pails are open and uncovered.

If the Scrubber pails are covered, then the CO2 Scrubber will not be able to remove
the CO2 gases from the chamber.
In addition, using covered Scrubber pails while the CO2 Scrubber is functioning may
cause the Scrubber fan to overheat and become damaged.

To ensure that the Sodasorb pellets are still potent, regularly check their color. At first use, the
color of the pellets is white. After multiple uses, the color gradually becomes purple.

When the absorptive capacity of the Sodasorb pellets is depleted, their color turns deep purple.
This color indicates that the Sodasorb pellets need to be changed.

For proper disposal of the expended Sodasorb pellets, follow all applicable local environmental
regulations and guidelines. If in doubt, contact your local authorities.

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CO2 Scrubber User Manual Working with the CO2 Scrubber

2.4 Activating the CO2 Scrubber

2.4.1 Using the Argus Control System

1. On your computer, double-click the Argus Titan icon from the desktop.
The Argus Session Manager dialog box appears (Figure 2-1).

Figure 2-1 Argus Session Manager

2. In the Server field, verify that the server is online.

If the Argus Session Manager dialog does not contain any server information, then you
need to configure the settings. For more information, click the Help icon on the Argus
Session Manager dialog, and then navigate to Getting Started > Connecting to an
Argus System > Argus Session Manager.
3. In the SiteName column, double-click a session to launch the Argus client software.
The Argus Homescreen appears.

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CO2 Scrubber User Manual Working with the CO2 Scrubber

4. On the Argus Homescreen, select the chamber where the CO2 Scrubber is installed.
The Chamber Settings page appears (Figure 2-2).

Figure 2-2 Chamber Settings Page

5. In the highlighted section on Figure 2-2, check that the following information is correct:
 Chamber Type
 Chamber Number
 Chamber Power Status is set to On and Enabled.
6. In the CO2 Control Group section, select the SCRUB_EN field, and then do one of the
following:
 To customize all the settings for the CO2 Scrubber, select Manual On.
Selecting this option also activates the inlet damper and fan.
 To allow the control system to automatically adjust the settings based on the
preferred setpoint, select Automatic.

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CO2 Scrubber User Manual Working with the CO2 Scrubber

7. Click OK.
8. Select Conviron Setpoint (Figure 2-3).

Figure 2-3 Conviron Setpoint

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CO2 Scrubber User Manual Working with the CO2 Scrubber

9. In the CONVIRON PROGRAM MANAGEMENT section > Selected Program column,

select a program (Figure 2-4).

Figure 2-4 Setpoint Scheduler Screen – Conviron Program Management Section

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CO2 Scrubber User Manual Working with the CO2 Scrubber

10. In the CO2 column, enter the preferred setpoint, which should be lower than the CO2 level
inside the chamber (Figure 2-5).

Figure 2-5 Setpoint Editor Screen

If the entered setpoint value is not lower than the CO2 level inside the chamber, then
the Scrubbing control will not turn on.

11. On the upper left corner of the screen, click Back.

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CO2 Scrubber User Manual Working with the CO2 Scrubber

12. In the Schedule Control section, ensure that the value is Start From The Beginning
(Figure 2-6).

Figure 2-6 Setpoint Scheduler Screen – Schedule Control Section

13. Click Back again.

14. If you want to manually modulate the Process damper, then do the following:
a. In the CO2 Control Group section, select the SCRUB field.
b. On the Proportional Properties dialog, select User Override.
c. In the User Override field, enter a percentage value, and then click OK.
15. Select the EXH_DAMP field.
16. Select Manual Off, and then click OK.

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CO2 Scrubber User Manual Working with the CO2 Scrubber

2.4.2 Using the CMP Control System

1. Log in as Admin in the CMP control system.
2. On the control system display, tap Control, and then tap Parameters.
The Control Parameters screen appears (Figure 2-7).

Figure 2-7 Control Parameters Screen

3. To access the Carbon Dioxide parameters, tap the Carbon Dioxide icon.
The Carbon Dioxide screen appears (Figure 2-8).

Figure 2-8 Carbon Dioxide Screen

To learn more about Control Mode, Absolute Warning Limits, and PID Control, refer to
the “Control Parameters” section of the CMP6060 Operator’s Manual.

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CO2 Scrubber User Manual Working with the CO2 Scrubber

4. In the Damper Mode section, select Automatic to allow the control system to
automatically open or close the exhaust damper, depending on the CO2 setpoint of the
program.
If you select Close or Open, then the exhaust damper remains closed or open at all times.
This setup may prevent the CO2 Scrubber from reaching the intended CO2 setpoint.
To change the CO2 setpoint of a program, refer to the “Create, Edit, or Delete a Program”
section of the CMP6060 Operator’s Manual.
5. In the Scrubbing Mode section, verify that the toggle button is set to ON, and then tap
Back repeatedly to navigate to the Home screen.

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CO2 Scrubber User Manual

3 TROUBLESHOOTING

Conviron Technical Support is available to all users at no charge, either to assist with
troubleshooting or to order parts, for the life of the equipment.

Even if Service is close by, a few troubleshooting steps significantly reduce the time to diagnose
and correct a fault. Make careful notes of the faulty symptoms and the chamber and ambient
conditions. This could help to determine the cause of the problem.

3.1 The Scrubbing Mode toggle does not switch to ON

If you are using the CMP6060 control system and the Scrubbing Mode toggle seems to be
locked to the OFF position, then force-start the CO2 Scrubbing option.
1. Check that the CO2 Scrubber is properly installed.
For detailed installation information, refer to the drawings in section 4.1, Assembly
Drawings of the CO2 Scrubber, on page 16.
2. Log in as Admin in the CMP control system.
3. On the control system display, tap Service, and then tap Digital Outputs.
4. If necessary, tap Controller.
The Controller screen appears (Figure 3-1).

Figure 3-1 Controller Screen from Service Mode

5. Tap SCRUBBING CO2, and then verify that its corresponding icon is lit and not
grayed-out.

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CO2 Scrubber User Manual Troubleshooting

6. Follow the steps in section 2.4.2, Using the CMP Control System, on page 12 to switch the
Scrubbing Mode toggle to ON.
If the Scrubbing Mode toggle still does not switch to ON, then contact Conviron Service.

3.2 CO2 levels do not reach the intended setpoint

Example scenario: The entered setpoint is 200ppm, but when the control system is checked, the
display shows the CO2 levels do not go lower than 600ppm.
If the CO2 levels do not reach the intended setpoint, then do the following:
 Ensure that the chamber is sealed correctly, so that outside air cannot enter the chamber.
Check that the chamber doors and fresh air dampers are properly closed.
 Ensure that the Sodasorb pellets are still potent.
For more information, refer to section 2.3, Understanding the Absorptive Capacity of the
CO2 Scrubber, on page 5.
 Ensure that the Damper mode is set to Automatic and the Scrubbing Mode is set to On.
If the chamber is using the Argus control system, then refer to section 2.4.1, Using the
Argus Control System, on page 6.
If the chamber is using the CMP control system, then refer to section 2.4.2, Using the CMP
Control System, on page 12.
If the CO2 levels still do not reach the intended setpoint, then contact Conviron Service.

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CO2 Scrubber User Manual

4 APPENDIX
4.1 Assembly Drawings of the CO2 Scrubber
The following drawings portray a CO2 Scrubber for a walk-in chamber. Your CO2 Scrubber may not
look exactly like the drawings shown in this section.

Figure 4-1 Parts List of the CO2 Scrubber, Drawing

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CO2 Scrubber User Manual Appendix

Figure 4-2 Parts List of the CO2 Scrubber, Table

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CO2 Scrubber User Manual Appendix

Figure 4-3 Dimensions, Front View

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CO2 Scrubber User Manual Appendix

Figure 4-4 Dimensions, Side View

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CO2 Scrubber User Manual Appendix

Figure 4-5 Back View

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CO2 Scrubber User Manual Appendix

Figure 4-6 Front View with the Front Covers Removed

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CO2 Scrubber User Manual Appendix

Figure 4-7 Top View, Dimensions

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Management System Certified to ISO9001

280499-ENG R00, August 2017

©2017 Controlled Environments Limited. Conviron is a registered trademark of Controlled Environments Limited. All other trademarks are the property of their
respective owners. Information is subject to change without written notice.